Tenancy Fraud
Hackney Council has reported recovering over 1,100 properties from tenancy fraud since 2011, while other councils continue to review their fraud prevention activities.
In November 2026, Hackney Council announced that its Audit and Anti-Fraud Service has recovered more than 1,100 properties since 2011 that were being misused fraudulently. This was highlighted in an Audit & Anti-Fraud Progress Report presented to the Hackney Council Audit Committee on 29 October 2026 by Michael Sheffield, Corporate Head of Audit, Anti-Fraud & Risk Management.
Councils are also reviewing broader fraud prevention. Islington Council's Audit and Risk Committee reviewed annual fraud reports in September 2026, and Lambeth Council's Audit and Risk Committee discussed counter fraud activities in July 2026. Westminster Council's Audit and Performance Committee and Camden Council's Audit and Corporate Governance Committee also reviewed audit reports in July 2026.
Tenancy fraud involves deception or misrepresentation related to council or social housing tenancies, such as unlawful subletting or fraudulent applications. Councils aim to address housing shortages and ensure fair allocation by tackling these issues.
Key facts
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 11 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.